Use Route Traces to automatically generate stop-to-stop route trace paths, manually build stop-to-stop route trace paths, and build route traces (i.e., KML files) to display to dispatchers and the public.
Before using these tools, you must understand the difference in concept and usage between route trace paths and the route trace that myAvail displays.
Route trace paths are individual stop-to-stop path geometries. myAvail uses these geometries to make calculations, determine whether a vehicle is off the route, or determine whether a route passes through a given detour area.
The route trace is strictly a visual representation of all the route trace paths that are associated with a route. A route trace is a file format that most mapping software uses to display a route image, such as “shape data” for Google Trip Planning.
Before you can use Route Traces, you must satisfy the following prerequisites:
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- You must know the turn-by-turn directions for every pattern of every route.
- You must be able to approve the appearance of the Route Traces to the public and dispatch.
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After you create a route trace, it does not change until a route pattern changes. The route traces are not directly used by or visible to myAvail users.
Automatically Generating Stop-to-Stop Route Trace Paths
When you select Auto Route All, the software will automatically generate stop-to-stop paths for all stops on all routes in the imported schedule data. The Auto Route All function is limited to public roads. If your vehicles use private roads, such as mall parking lots, you will need to draw them manually. The Auto Route All function finds the shortest route between the selected stops. Consequently, it is critical that you review the auto-generated paths for accuracy. Using Auto Route All is efficient but still requires review to confirm accuracy for unusual roads.
1. Click Geographic Tools from the main tab list.
2. Click Route Traces in the left menu.
3. Select the Route that you want to build Route Trace Paths for
4. Select a Pattern. A bold pattern name indicates that at least one path is not built.
5. Click Load Data.
6. Click the Auto Route All button.
Repeat steps 4 & 5 for each pattern in the route where the pattern name is in bold type.
Manually Building Stop-to-Stop Route Trace Paths
1. Click Geographic Tools from the main tab list.
2. Click Route Traces in the left menu.
3. Select the Route that you want to build Route Trace Paths for.
4. Select a Pattern. A bold pattern name indicates that at least one path is not built.
5. Click Load Data.
6. Next, click the path you want to create from the table below the map.
The path is highlighted and centered on the map.
The map displays the proposed path in black, the previous path in green, and the next path in brown. If the proposed path is acceptable, click Save Path. Return to step 2 to build the next path.
7. If you need to manually draw the path, change the mode to Manual.
8. Click the map near the start of the path that you are drawing, which is indicated by a green dot.
Click the map further along the desired path.
Click the Undo Last Click button to remove individual sections of the route trace that you are currently working on if you need to make a change. At any point, click Cancel to start over. When the path meets your requirements, click Save Path.
9. Repeat Steps 5 - 7 for each pattern in the route where the pattern name is in bold type.
10. There are special tools available when you are manually drawing route trace paths. These tools are the following:
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- Extend the Start: Use to start the path at a point before the stop that currently starts the path. If you do not use this tool, the path can be drawn only between the beginning and ending stops.
- Extend the End: Use to end the path at a point after the stop that currently ends the path. If you do not use this tool, the path can be drawn only between the beginning and ending stops.
- Remove a Point: Use to remove a point in the middle of a manual path. This tool is seldom used.
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For example, the following path has an extra point:
You can fix this using the remove point tool:
Creating Route Traces
If there are no changes to any route trace paths for a selected route, the Generate Route Trace button is greyed out and not selectable.
1. Click Geographic Tools from the main tab list.
2. Click Route Traces in the left menu.
3. Select the Route that you want to build a Route Trace for.
4. Select a Pattern. You must select a pattern to load the route. However, route traces are built from all route trace path data associated with the route regardless of the pattern you select.
5. Click Load Data.
6. Click Generate Route Trace.
7. The map displays the new route trace as a dashed line and the original route trace as a solid line. Compare the new route to the original route to verify that any deviations are planned. If there are unplanned deviations, see How to manually build stop-to-stop Route Trace Paths to correct the route trace paths.
8. Use the Save or Cancel button to save the generated route trace or cancel the trace.
9. After you save the route trace, myAvail displays the KML file’s location
Possible Route Trace Error Messages
Insufficient Parameters - This error occurs because at least one of the available selection parameters is not selected. The available parameters are Vehicle, Operator, Block, Run, Route or a geographic area.
